LAS VEGAS (May 30, 2025) –The Shade Tree, a 24-hour accessible shelter and resource center designed to specifically meet the needs of those escaping domestic violence, human trafficking and homelessness, their children and pets (through a partnership with Noah’s Animal House), is pleased to announce a $25,000 donation from Caesars Entertainment to support the “Rise & Restore” fundraising campaign to complete repairs and reopen damaged spaces after a series of catastrophic water events severely damaged the nonprofit’s main shelter facility, with impacts throughout the nonprofit’s campus.
“The Shade Tree has served the Southern Nevada community for more than three decades and today remains a vital resource for women and children who come to the shelter in their greatest time of need,” said Karyn Steenkamp, vice president of design and construction at Caesars Entertainment, Inc. and chairwoman of The Shade Tree board of trustees. “As a Shade Tree board member, I am proud to represent Caesars as we offer this $25,000 donation to help jump start the giving for the Rise & Restore campaign, a much needed and very worthy cause.”
What began as series of small leaks starting in December 2024, cascaded into devasting water events that resulted in an almost complete failure of the 25-year-old main shelter building’s plumbing infrastructure. Since December, emergency repairs and temporary fixes have kept the building operational and safe, with the staff and clients who reside there working together to adjust and make the best of challenging circumstances. While the repair work has started, the bulk of materials, labor and funding required to complete the restoration remain.
According to Linda Perez, CEO of The Shade Tree, the goal of the Rise & Restore campaign is to raise $5 million over the next 12 months to fully reopen the shelter building to include 256 beds in remodeled more individualized sleeping areas upon completion of the work.
“We are grateful beyond words for the generosity of Caesars Entertainment and the leadership of Karyn Steenkamp as chair of our board,” said Perez. “Caesars has been an invaluable community partner to The Shade Tree for many years, and we are so incredibly thankful for this donation that comes at such a critical time for the organization.”
The Rise & Restore campaign offers several giving opportunities including individual donations of any amount plus naming rights starting at $100,000 for the donation center and ranging to $1 million for the main building. For more information and online donations, please visit the campaign web page at theshadetree.org/riseandrestore.
ABOUT THE SHADE TREE
The Shade Tree, a 35-year Southern Nevada nonprofit, is a 24-hour accessible emergency shelter for those escaping domestic violence, human trafficking and homelessness, their children and pets. The Shade Tree partners with Noah’s Animal House, located on the organization’s campus, to provide pet services for its clients. The Shade Tree facility offers residential areas with sleeping rooms, a children’s activity center, meals, and other services. Additionally, it offers case management and programs to in-house and off-site clients including workforce readiness, health services, and housing assistance. The Shade Tree crisis hotline phone/text number is 1-855-385-0072. To learn more, follow The Shade Tree on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram or visit www.theshadetree.org.
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